What does Maslow's hierarchy of needs include as the highest level?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological framework that categorizes human motivations into a five-tier model arranged in a pyramid. At the base, basic needs such as physiological requirements and safety are prioritized. As one ascends the pyramid, needs become more complex and relate to higher forms of psychological fulfillment.

Self-actualization, identified as the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy, refers to the realization of an individual's potential and the desire for personal growth and self-improvement. This stage is achieved when a person reaches a point where they can pursue creativity, problem-solving, and deeper personal understanding. They seek fulfillment of their own potential, which includes accepting oneself, pursuing personal goals, and ultimately achieving a sense of completeness.

In contrast, security, social needs, and esteem, while significant, represent lower levels of this hierarchy. Security encompasses the need for safety and stability, social needs pertain to belongingness and relationships, and esteem focuses on self-respect and recognition from others. Each of these tiers must be generally satisfied before one can focus on self-actualization, thereby emphasizing why it is regarded as the pinnacle of psychological development in this model.